Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks

January 09, 2013

I received this email today with this adorable Valentine's card (or you could use it any time of year, people always like to hear they are loved!) You can download this shape for free!

In case you haven't heard, Photo Express now has Silhouette shopping online! Order online and pickup in store or we can ship to you. And the download cards are 10% off all the time! Plus all our Silhouette products are currently at US pricing. Doesn't get better than this! Pass on the word to all your Silhouette buddies :)

This week's free shape comes with all of the bits and pieces needed to create this Valentine.

Once
you've got your shape open in Silhouette studio, make sure it is
selected and click ungroup in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Then you will be able to move the pieces on and off the mat to cut them
out of different colored papers.

quick tip :: Save the little cut
out bits and you'll have some confetti to include inside the
card/envelope. That is always a fun surprise!

December 12, 2012

Limited Edition Advent Calendar

Silhouette advent calendar kit

Count down to Christmas with the Silhouette
advent calendar. This limited edition advent calendar kit comes with a
full set of shapes that can be arranged any way you like. Use your
Silhouette and your favorite paper to customize the calendar in your own
style. With different decorations, the advent calendar can be used for
any occasion.

There are also many great uses for this calendar besides using it as an Advent Calendar (which is a great use!) Can you imagine a child's excitment (or an adult's for that matter!) having a countdown calendar to their birthday with a little note or treat each day.

Or use it to display favourite travel photos and mementos. Here is a great one from the Pinterest board using it as a great way to display instagram photos (Photo Express can print 4x4's!)

December 11, 2012

Gather Christmas
from years past (or current!) to show off for the holiday season. Mount the photos on
holiday scrapbooking paper and place in simple frames. Swap existing
artwork for these festive, nostalgic pieces.

December 04, 2012

Better Home and Gardens has some cute Christmas card ideas to make with your scrapbook supplies

Homemade Christmas Bird Card

These sweet and festive birds will bring the gladest of tidings
with this easy-to-make set of cards. Referring to the photo, cut out
bird shapes from scraps of green and red cardstock. Use a 1/4-inch
circle punch to punch out hat pom-poms from white cardstock and eyes
from black cardstock for the birds. Cut out hat shapes from red and
green cardstock, hatbands from white cardstock, and wing shapes from
patterned cardstock.

Fold 4-1/4x5-1/2-inch pieces of white cardstock in half. Lightly draw
bird legs on the front of each card with a pencil; draw over pencil
lines with a black ink pen.

Cut out beak shapes from black cardstock; glue the flat end to the
back of each bird body. Adhere a bird to the front of each card using
small amounts of glue. Glue hatband and pom-pom to hat; set hat aside.
Machine-stitch wing to body and body to card front. Glue the hat in
place.

Hanging Ornament Christmas Card
Hang a single ornament from a plain Christmas Card
using a few scrapbooking supplies. Fold a piece of pink (or desired
color) cardstock in half, and use a ruler to draw a black line from the
top of the card, referring to the photo. Use a large circle punch to
create an ornament from brightly colored patterned paper, attach to the
bottom right-hand corner of the card with an adhesive dot. Cut the
ornament top shape from white cardstock; attach with a small amount of
glue. Embellish the black line with rhinestone stickers, and place the
card in a fun envelope.

Santa Christmas Card

This sweet Santa suit Christmas Card holds a surprise tucked inside, making it an extra-special present
for loved ones. Gatefold a piece of red cardstock to create the pocket,
then adhere strips of scallop-edge white cardstock, referring to the
photo for placement.

To make the belt, adhere a strip of black cardstock to the lower half
of the card and punch a square from glittery cardstock. Attach the
square shape to the black strip. Tuck your gift (perhaps a PE Gift Card!)inside the card.

Wrap white embroidery thread around the top flap twice and secure with a dab of glue in the back. Tie on a die-cut gift tag.

Colorful Christmas Trees Card

Create this pretty Christmas tree
scene for your holiday card with scrapbook paper. Fold an 8-1/2 x
5-1/2-inch piece of white cardstock in half to make the card. Cut a wavy
line from a 2-inch strip of blue or teal scrapbook paper; adhere to the
top of the card. Cut 4-6 triangles each from green and blue scrapbook
paper as shown; adhere to the card in three rows, leaving a space at the
right of the second row for the larger tree.

In the empty space in the second row, hot-glue a tiny twig to the
card. Cut a large triangle from a piece of patterened paper; adhere to
the card using a crafts foam dot so that it lines up with the twig to
make a 3-D Christmas tree. Finish the large Christmas tree by attaching
sequins to the scrapbook paper and sticking on a glittery star for the
tree topper.

And from Scrapbooks Etc

Use Basic Shapes to Create Quick Holiday-Card Embellishments

Design by Polly Maly

Polly used a punched cardstock square and ribbon to make the gift that adorns the front of this quick holiday card.

Editor's Tip: A simple holiday-card design such as this benefits from added dimension. Raise elements with adhesive foam to add depth.

Use Ribbon Scraps to Make Trees on Holiday Cards

Design by Melissa Inman

Melissa cut scraps of ribbon into graduating lengths and lined them up atop strips of brown cardstock to make the playful Christmas trees on these holiday cards.

Editor's Tip: Print your message on your
cards before you add the trees by formatting the text in a
word-processing program. Adjust the spacing to get two cards to a sheet
of 8-1/2x11" paper, cut apart the cards, and fold in half.

Cheery Christmas Tree Card

Design by Erin Clarkson

This card is perfect for making in multiples. Cut
a large triangle from patterned paper, then place a green rectangle
below. Add a chipboard star and rub-on holiday greeting for interest.

Winter Wonderland Card

Design by Erin Roe

Challenge yourself to use punches in multiple ways, as Erin did here. Arrange punches of snowflakes in a circle to form a snowy wreath. Use the same punch to create an olive branch from green paper. A felt bird adds warm texture to a cool card.

Editor's Tip: Don't be afraid to stray from traditional Christmas colors. Erin used bright blues and pinks against a bland background to demonstrate a cheery greeting during cold winter months.

July 03, 2012

Simple Stories has created 3 "Look Books" with gorgeous layout, card and project ideas using 3 of my favourite lines (all of their lines are my favourites!) - Documented, Fabulous, and Awesome. Click on the image to see the idea books.

April 26, 2012

Then, choose a 3-color blending group (here I used R20, R22, R27) and quickly base coat the roses with the lightest color.

Here, I’m using R20. You don’t need to be concerned with taking your time and coloring in small circular motion; you’ll be doing enough blending later! You can even leave the a few areas white, like the very tip ends of the petals.

2. The illustrator will usually give you an idea of where the shading, or deeper/darker colors should be; those areas will usually be cross-hatched or indicated with lines or stippling. Color those areas with your mid-tone color (R22).

4. Also, keep in mind that areas/petals that are closer to you will appear lighter and petals that are towards the back or bottom of the flower will naturally appear darker; color those areas with either your mid-tone or your darkest color (I used R22 and R27).

5. Go back and add some depth to your mid-tones and deepest recesses of the flowers with your darkest color (R27). Also, where some petals cast a shadow on other petals, use your darkest color to indicate shadows. Blend with your mid-tone color, if necessary.

6. For the leaves, again, choose a 3-color blending group (I used G21, G24, G28). Quickly base coat the leaves and stems with the lightest color in your blending group (G21), leaving a few white spaces as highlights if you wish.

7. Use your mid-tone color to add depth to the areas indicated by the illustrator (usually on the lower half of the leaf) and on leaves that are further away from you or towards the back of the plant (G24).

8. Go back and use the lightest G20 to blend the two colors together, if needed.

9. Go back and add some depth to your mid-tones and deepest recesses of the flowers with your darkest color (R27). Also, where some petals cast a shadow on other petals, use your darkest color to indicate shadows. Blend with your mid-tone color, if necessary.

April 18, 2012

What is die cutting?Die cutting is like using a cookie cutter. A hand-operated, die cutting machine uses steel rule die shapes to cut through a wide range of materials quickly and easily.

What makes die cutting better than scissors? The use of scissors takes time and patience. However, die cutting transforms the tedious task of cutting numerous letters and shapes into a fast, fun and easy endeavor – replicating the same perfect shape over and over again.

How do I clean my machine? Over time and due to normal use, your shape-cutting machine may become dirty or dusty. To clean, use Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) poured on a clean paper towel and rub over the machine until it evaporates. With another clean, dry paper towel, wipe off any residue. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners on the Machine. Never oil your Machine.

There's a big reason why we call our shape-cutting and embossing machine a Big Shot. It's because the stylish black-and-pink Big Shot works with our smallest dies to our big 6" wide plastic-backed treasures and embossing tools. If that wasn’t big enough, this portable roller machine cuts and embosses many different materials. This versatile machine works with ALL dies and embossing folders. Now that’s a big deal.

There are two different types of Sizzix dies - embossing and shape cutting.

Embossing

Shape Cutting

One die, endless possibilities

Inspiration for you:

Create a scrapbook page base out of patterned paper. Ink edges of page. Cut a large patterned paper rectangle and adhere along the right side of the page. Stamp a Bingo Card onto cardstock, trim around the design, mat on patterned paper and attach to the page. Stamp designs along the bottom of the page. Die-cut a Tag from cardstock, ink edges and attach to the page. Die-cut No. 7 from cardstock using the Cargo Stencil Numbers Movers & Shapers Magnetic die set and the Base Tray. Crop a photo to size and attach to the page. Die-cut Tattered Flower Garland from patterned papers and ink edges. Layer flowers to assemble and secure layers with brads. Adhere as shown.

Cut cardstock to size and fold to form card base. Cut a piece of patterned paper to fit across the card front and emboss using the Honeycomb embossing folder. Adhere in place and distress with ink. Die-cut Harlequin Border out of patterned paper and adhere to the card front. Trim away excess. Die-cut Bird Branch out of cardstock and patterned paper. Distress with ink and attach to the card front. Stamp a sentiment onto patterned paper, trim to size, ink edges and attach to the card front. Wrap a ribbon around the card front and tie in a bow.

Cut a box out of cardstock and it's lid out of patterned paper and fold to assemble. Distress the edges of the box with ink. Wrap a ribbon around the box and tie in a bow. Die-cut Sewing Edge from cardstock. Embellish with twine and ink. Stamp a sentiment onto cardstock, trim to size, ink edges and attach to the box top with foam dots.

April 03, 2012

Here are some great ideas from Better Home and Gardens for making pretty Easter eggs.

Using a crafts punch, punch circles from double-sided adhesive. Attach them to the eggs. Pour different colors of glitter into separate bowls. Roll each egg in glitter; remove excess with a clean paintbrush. For a multicolor egg, place a few stickers on an egg at a time. Roll in glitter, remove excess, adhere more circles, and repeat with a different color glitter. And by using different die cut or punches shapes, the possibilities are endless.

Scrapbooking supplies are a simple way to create cute, dye-free eggs. Thicker stickers work best because they cling to the shape of the egg. Place decorated eggs in mini pots for a seasonal display.

Decorative paper delights on these sophisticated eggs. Attach patterned-paper pieces to double-sided adhesive, remove backing, and attach to egg. To decorate eggs with ribbon, use 1/8-inch double-sided crafts tape to make designs. Stick ribbons onto tape, then adhere to egg as desired.

March 07, 2012

To keep our scrappin' mojo going and to prepare for the Load challenge in May, we are going to send out a Page Challenge every newsletter for you. That means you have a whole 2 weeks to get the layout done!!!!! Anyone can do that :) Please take us up on the challenge and create a layout - if you don't want to do the prompt, that is totally okay, just create a layout of your choosing. Don't cheat yourself and do a layout you have already done. Create a new one. Tell a new story.

As an added incentive, bring in your layout to show us and fill out a ticket stub while you are at the store. Over the next 3 months, March, April, and May (so that is 6 challenges), if you show us at least 5 of them, you can register for Free to come to a Saturday Crop at the end of May (first come first served of the people who have 5 tickets). That means you did at least 5 of the 6 challenges. And you have a whole 2 weeks to do each one! Let's get scrappin!!

March 1st - 15th Page Challenge : Hobbies Past or Present(bring in your layout by March 16th to show us for a ticket entry)

I really liked this prompt in Load 212 (It was Hobbies Past). I chose to document my love of photography. I didn't have pictures of these cameras, but the internet does! I did a quick digital layout that day, as I was really short on time, but I love the results. So here is my layout for a bit of inspiration but do your own thing. A hobby growing up, a hobby you do now, or a hobby you admire and would like to do. Or do your own thing completely. Just do a layout in the next 2 weeks and show us. Simple!

February 09, 2012

Give the sweetest gift of all with a homemade sugar cookie in a cute package. Add a few drops of gel food coloring (we used a rose pink) to the batter; use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts; bake and cool. After cooling, embellish the cookies with sugar hearts (adhered with a frosting pen) or brush on a thin coat of luster dust (available in the cake decorating section).

To package: Cut pieces of decorative cardstock to fit inside flat cellophane bags. Place a cookie in each bag. Cut another piece of cardstock the width of the bag and 3 inches high. Fold in half and place over top of cardstock-lined cellophane bag. Punch two holes in the middle, string a ribbon through the holes, and tie a knot.

Wrapped in Love

Cover your valentine's favorite chocolate bar for a sweet gift in just minutes. Add ribbon, buttons, stamps, or cutouts to make it even more personal.

Valentine's Day Banner

Bright colours make this Valentine's Day mantel pop -- traditional pink hearts mix with bright orange, yellow, green, and blue patterned fabric on the banner. To make, trace 16 hearts onto pink houndstooth fabric and cut them out. Use a stencil to paint letters onto the hearts to spell out a sweet phrase (like "Be Mine Valentine" shown). Sew the hearts onto colored fabric squares with fun patterns, attach the squares to red ribbon, and hang across a fireplce or even bathroom mirror.

February 02, 2012

Turn a mini candy bar into a robot by wrapping it in patterned paper and adding a head, arms, and legs. Give each robot its own personality and style by playing around with different buttons, punches, and papers.

Sweet Lollipops

Design by Deb Berger and Lisa Storms

A greeting has never tasted as sweet as this lollipop-turned-valentine. To cook up this delicious design, layer a punched circle over a scalloped circle with adhesive foam. Attach the circles to the front of a plastic-wrapped lollipop, add another scalloped circle to the back, and embellish. Use an adhesive dot to secure the ribbon leaves.

Friendship Pencil Toppers

Designs by Jennifer Holmes

Dress up valentine pencils with cute toppers. Thread the pencil through two punched 1/2-inch holes. Stamp images and add only a few colors for faster production.

January 26, 2012

Doesn't this room look so inviting?! You most likely don't have the space to do something like this, but you can probably borrow some of the ideas and put them into your own space. From Scrapbook Etc.

Divide a Room Into Spaces

Polly Maly's creative space took a lot of work to pull off, but it ended with a functional, accessible, and all-around pretty room. This roughly 15X15' room, reorganized by designer Cathy Kramer, became a powerhouse when broken down into dedicated zones for different tasks and supplies: (left to right) tool station, embellishments and photos, computer center, stamping supplies. Paper and books are stored along the far right side of the room.

Keep Tools in Place

Low-cost nonslip drawer liners prevent punches from shifting around in Polly's tool station, making it easier to find what she needs.

Put Important Items Together

Frequently used tools are close by and kept tidy with simple drawer organizers. This collection is housed in the top left drawer of Polly's built-in desk.

Consider Your Work Space

Having lots of work surfaces allows Polly the luxury of leaving a page in progress without cluttering the room. Though she works mostly at the portable table in the center of the room, standing at the counters adds a whole new dynamic to her work style.

Put Things on Display

To the left of Polly's built-in desk is a zone that houses her photo boxes and embellihsments. Kramer chose glass-front doors for the upper cabinets to keep the space visually light and to allow visitors to see Polly's collection of vintage cameras.

Use Creative Pieces For Decorating

Embellishments can be fun both on the page and off. Some of Polly's colorful button collection pulls double duty as decor.

Group Embellishments for Storage

Loose accents were dropped into small clear jars and then placed in a spice-jar drawer organizer.

Pick the Right Type of Shelving

By choosing pullout shelves for the base cabintets, Kramer made every inch easily accessible. Baskets hold packaged accents, and sheets of stickers and rub-ons slip into page protectors, which are then organized into three-ring binders.

Add a Spot for Inspiration

The paper zone contains an inspiration board that's flanked by stacked cubes filled with cardstock, hanging files for scraps, and books. The board adds flair to the room through bright, vibrant colors.

Make Supplies Accessible

Polly sorted patterned paper by color and placed it in vertical storage boxes. The boxes and pullout drawers make it easy to find what she needs without having to rummage through messy mounds of paper.

Take Advantage of Wall Shelving

A rubber-stamper from way back, Polly keeps her collection contained on the shallow picture ledges to the right of her desk and in the utility drawers beneath. Ink pads are stored in a lazy-Susan-style caddy on the work surface.